Mom and Dad

Faces four and five in this series of post belong to the people who have, more than anyone, shaped and molded me into who I am today. These are my parents, and there is no one in my life that deserves more appreciation and celebration than them. 

Typically these posts are reserved for individuals, but twenty something years ago these two became one. So, they share this post, just as they share everything else in life, for I know that that is how they prefer things to be.

I have learned so much from each of them, but with you I will only share one.

 From my mom, nothing stands out more than her ability to be so vulnerable and raw with her emotions. I myself am rather emotional, and that is undoubtedly a characteristic I received from her. As a guy, it'd be easy to push those emotions to the back of my mind and ignore them, in hopes that they don't show; however, through watching my mom for over 18 years, I have seen the value of being real with my emotions, and addressing them not only with myself but with others. This may seem like such a little thing, but the impact it has had on my life is unbelievable. So, thank you Mom, for never holding back the tears, the laughs, and most importantly—the love. It has impacted me in ways you will never know.

From my dad (more commonly known as Pops), I have learned what it means to be relational. Since 7th grade, my friends have called him Pops. A nickname of sorts he has earned through loving them all so well, and while he didn't like it at first, he now knows that it is a term of endearment. He's a funny guy, who never holds back with the jokes, which is typically what draws people to him. Behind the jokes though, is a man who has an ability with people unlike anyone I have ever known. The lessons about relationship and the way you treat others I have learned from watching my dad will stick with me forever, and today effect my everyday life. 

Pops, thank you for being such an amazing roll model to me when it comes to things as simple as everyday conversations and friendship, to much harder things such as family and what it means to be a loving, devoted husband and father, as well as an all around respectable man.

There are no two people I would have rather spent every day with for eighteen years, and no two people who could have better prepared me for life. I cannot describe how thankful I am to have had parents as loving as you guys, and for all the things you have taught me.

I know this next season will be hard, but thank you for allowing me to pursue my dreams and all the Lord has for me, no matter how far away those things may be. I'll miss you both dearly, but greatly look forward to the months and years to come where I can apply all you have taught me. As I do so, I'm sure I will only grow to appreciate even more all you have done in my life.

I love you, Mom and Dad. Thanks for making the most of every moment, and molding me into who I am today. It has been nothing short of a blessing being able to call you my parents.